Today we’d like to introduce you to Trent Fielder.
Hi Trent, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Goodness. I wish there was a cliff notes version but there isn’t which explains where we are.
Well, simplest way is I was a father of 7 month old twins when I was paralyzed the first time in 2011. I was paralyzed again in 2012, again in 2013, flatlined in 2014 and then, after years of rehab, treatments, failed surgeries and more, I took control of what was happening to me.
After my daughter said a prayer in 2016 only asking for her daddy to feel better and to walk again, I decided to fight. I studied biomechanics, went to a unique rehab facility called the Adaptive Training Foundation and, after 5 years, 25 days and 5.5 hours, I walked.
After that, I committed myself to growing stronger and fighting hopelessness and mental health issues, the only way I knew possible, unconventionally. I trained and became a paratriathlete. I competed in Ironman events, won 7 national championships and a gold medal in 2024.
The journey began trying to save one friend and it grew quickly. My story went public and I began to try and help people see their true selves and value to the world around them. I coached, spoke and even wrote a book about how to serve people except written from the perspective of my service dog, Gunner. Our stories, his words.
Gunner and I started a nonprofit in 2023 called TriHOPE. The name came from my daughter after she experienced a tragedy and we grew it into a platform to help those with mental health struggles, especially veterans, first responders and children.
I believe and I try to share with people the simple message that HOPE is the Only Answer to loss and struggles in life. We will continue that journey with a Navy SEAL swim in NYC in two weeks along with an Ironman in California and then a 48 hour swim for HOPE in November.
HOPE is REAL!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think many of those I covered in your first question but it’s been more than even those. I was abused as a child by multiple men, cancer when I was young and even the loss of my first wife to suicide. She died in my arms.
Each of those shaped me into something much different than what I am now and each made me question whether I even belonged in this life. It wasn’t until I was paralyzed and what happened after that I was able to see suffering as a blessing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the CEO of a small nonprofit called TriHOPE.
I am sure I’m known for a few things but recently it is probably what I do with athletics as a platform and definitely the book Gunner Speak.
In my previous career, I led some amazing people in remote positions. It’s been amazing to see who they have become since that time and how they are leaders in their own work now.
I’m very proud of the parent I’ve become since the early struggles and how I’ve helped shape their vision of life.
I don’t know if there’s anything that truly sets me apart from others but that has never been the goal either. I want the people who meet me to know that what I’ve overcome and even come to live with doesn’t make me unique. Each person has their own path and own power to make the most of that path. Thats much more important to me than any medal.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
HOPE is REAL. It seems a bit cliche when you first hear it but it is the absolute truth. Take the worst circumstances you’ve ever been in or had to endure. How did you overcome?
I’m sure there was a path, a decision here and there but also what helped you to push through? What made it possible? It’s always HOPE if we look deeper and that hope is something each of us can manifest but also share with others.
Pricing:
- I don’t understand the question
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.trihope.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trihope2023?igsh=MzdsdTlrMjQxZXZm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ECZKHFSJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
